A Police operation to tackle drug related crime in Stevenage has seen drugs, money, imitation guns and knives seized in the first few weeks…

20 people have also been arrested as part of Operation ESTRAY.

Officers have so far confiscated more than 300 wraps of Class A drugs with a street value in excess of £6,300.

They’ve also seized nearly £10,000 in cash.

Five properties, where vulnerable adults live, are being investigated as potential drug distribution addresses. Herts Police say work’s underway with Stevenage Borough Council to close more of these properties and get help and support for the vulnerable residents.

Detective Sergeant John Harlock, who is leading on Operation Estray said: “We have seen some great disruption so far and I would like to thank local residents for their support. The information you provide us with about what is going on in your area is vital to our investigations.

We know that many of those who commit drug related crime are not local and are travelling into the area from outside, targeting local residents, often taking over their addresses to set up drug distribution bases”.

DS Harlock continued: “Operation ESTRAY is an on-going operation, seeking to bring those responsible to justice and safeguard local residents from this activity.

I would urge all local residents to report any suspicious activity, particularly if it involves people you have not previously seen in the area. You can call the Stevenage Safer Neighbourhood Team on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111″.

Councillor Sherma Batson, Executive Member for Safer Communities and Equalities at Stevenage Borough Council, added: “We all want to reduce crime and keep people safe so Operation ESTRAY is playing a pivotal role in clamping down on drug related crimes, while offering help and support to vulnerable residents in Stevenage.

This is just the start so I would encourage local residents to keep reporting any suspicious behaviour, as together we can make Stevenage even safer”.